‘The rebellion has not stopped’: Philippines extends martial law

The Philippines Congress has overwhelmingly approved a one-year extension of martial law on the Southern island of Mindanao, backing a move by President Rodrigo Duterte to tackle a resurgence of Islamic extremists.

Key points

More than 1,300 people killed during 5 months of fighting

President says martial law needed to stop IS-linked insurgents regrouping

The Philippines Government is concerned the mountainous and jungle-clad Mindanao — a region the size of South Korea and home to the country's Muslim minority — could become a magnet for international extremists.

"The reports are they are actively recruiting again," Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana told the joint session of Congress ahead of the vote.

"What we are seeing actually is the rebellion has not stopped, it has moved to another place."

Security officials had earlier told Congress militants loyal to Islamic State were regrouping and recruiting young fighters to launch attacks in the region of 22 million people.

Mr Duterte's request for the extension also said a little-known operative, Abu Turaifie, was active in Mindanao and was, "said to be" the potential point man of for IS in South-East Asia.

The military said extremist groups in other southern provinces, including the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, continued to pose threats.

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